Addressing concerns:Teen online safety / DOPAContent control – Milwaukee PL has set it so comments made by others require approval before they appear on the MySpace pageAsk other libraries how they're handling these issues

Favorite features of a MySpace page:

MPL lists all library teen events there, with links to the library’s web site

Amanda seeks out YA authors to “friend” on the library’s web site, so kids can start a conversation directly with authors via MySpace pages

Milwaukee PL includes a link to the library’s 24x7 chat ask-a-librarian service

They're working to get more teen-generated content posted on the MySpace page

Before you create a MySpace page for your library…

Have a clear purpose in mind

Think about who your audience will be

Decide who will be responsible for monitoring content

Decide who will be responsible for handling any issues regarding the MySpace page

How will you decide if what you’re doing is worth it?

Decide who you will choose to friendOther libraries?Authors?MPL doesn’t seek out teens to friendYou don’t have to accept every friend request

On MySpace, image is everything; “Who wants to be friends with a 100-year-old building?”Denver PL created an avatar to represent their institutionFor schools attended, MPL lists all Milwaukee area schools, so their MySpace page can more easily be found by alumni

Getting the word out:

Don’t expect teens to be searching for you – do your best to be found

Bookmarks put in books written by authors who are friended by the MPL MySpace page (wow -- great idea!)

Highlight the MySpace page on the library’s web site

Trying new things like MySpace is a a three-step process:

Get comfortable with it; wade in; get your feet wet; create a personal page for yourself to try it out; if you’re solidly on board, it will be easier to convince others to try it

Keep swimming: once you know your way around; be ready to explain what you’re doing and why

Dive in: you’re familiar with the waters; don’t be afraid to try the next big think if you think it’ll have a positive application for your library

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